'Immediate action required' as urgent flood warning issued for Leeds village

The warning has been issued for Collingham as the River Wharfe swells after persistent rainfall.

The Government's Flood Information Service has issued the urgent warning for the village and has opened its incident room.

Teams are monitoring the situation as further rainfall is forecast on Wednesday.

A message on the Flood Information Service says: "The level of the River Wharfe at Collingham is 3.17m and is expected to continue to rise as further heavy rain is expected until Thursday.

"Areas most at risk are at the lower end of Collingham Beck near the River Wharfe.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and put your flood plan into action."

When a flood warning is issued, residents at risk are advised to immediately turn off their gas, water and electricity.

They should move belongings, family and pets upstairs or to safety and move their car to a safe place.

There are three additional flood alerts in place across Leeds, where residents at risk are advised to activate their flood defences and 'be prepared'.

The alerts have been issued for the River Middle Aire catchment, which runs through Leeds, the Lower River Wharfe and Wyke Beck, Meanwood Beck and Wortley Beck.

River levels have been rising overnight and are expected to continue to swell today.

The warning for the River Middle Aire catchment says: "River levels are forecast to continue to remain elevated across the Middle River Aire Catchment as a result of persistent rainfall.

"Further rainfall is expected throughout today which will elevate river levels further.

"Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is possible. Areas most at risk are low lying land, roads and farmland.

" Please put your flood plan into action and activate any property flood protection products you may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths near watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid roads which may be flooded."

The warning for the Lower River Wharfe catchment says: "The River Wharfe is rising in response to recent rainfall. Levels in Ilkley and Otley are currently expected to peak at a lower level than was seen in November 2020, at around 6am on Wednesday.

"Levels could rise in Wetherby and Tadcaster until Wednesday afternoon or evening. Persistent and heavy rain is forecast to continue through until Thursday."